Men’s Basketball
In their home opener, the Piedmont men’s basketball team defeated Johnson & Wales 85-62.
After losing their first two exhibition games against Division I opponents, the Lions bounced back in a big way against the Wildcats. Graduate student Griffin Neville led the team with 16 points, with juniors Dylan Patrick and Darden Fisher and senior Bailey Wiseman adding 10 points.
Since this was a home opener it wasn’t just a test for the players. It was a taste for the home crowd as well to see this team in action.
“This game was a good start to our season,” said head coach Greg Neeley. “We’re still learning and plan to keep improving as we work into the season. It was a great home atmosphere. We hope to have a strong home court advantage this season and we’re very appreciative of the support from the campus community.”
The Lions (1-0) will next host Sewanee: The University of the South on Nov. 19.
—Ben Leffert
Women’s Basketball
The Piedmont University women’s basketball team took their 1-1 record into the CCS/SAA Classic against Sewanee and Berry College last weekend. The Lady Lions fought their way back to a thrilling 73-71 victory against Sewanee with a buzzer-beating shot, but fell short to Berry in a 47-44 loss.
“Although I’d like the outcome of each game to end in a W for us, I understand that’s not always reality,” said head coach Jamie Purdy. “There are certainly things we need to work on and improve, but the team has shown a great deal of perseverance and grit.”
In a game early last week against Oglethorpe, the Lions put up a strong fight after falling behind in the first half. Although the Lady Lions came back in the third quarter to take a brief lead, Oglethorpe took control in the final quarter, finishing the game with an 84-77 Stormy Petrels win. Despite losing the game, Piedmont’s Hayley Borino, junior guard, delivered a new career high as she put up 21 points for the Lions against Oglethorpe.
Her success carried into the CCS/SAA Classic, as Borino and the Piedmont Lions were able to
pull off an exciting win against Sewanee. As the game came down to the final seconds, Sewanee took a 71-70 lead. With six seconds left on the clock, Borino swished a 30-foot shot, leading the Lions to a winning score of 73-71. Unfortunately, this momentum did not carry over into the next game against Berry College, as the Lions suffered to keep the lead against the Vikings. The Lions had a strong 42-32 lead in the fourth quarter but were unable to score, losing 47-45.
The Lady Lions will be hosting their home opener at Cave Arena against Berea on Nov. 25.
—Ansleigh Dubose
Volleyball
Piedmont’s volleyball team was swept in three sets against Covenant in the CCS quarterfinals, ending its season in disappointing fashion.
Lions got off to a rough start, down 23-12 in the first set. They finished the first set with a 6-2 run but fell 25-18. They carried this momentum into the second set, getting off to a 10-9 lead. The Scots went on an 11-2 run, eventually taking the set 25-16. Piedmont started with an even better lead in the third set, 19-12. However, Covenant also crawled back from this one, winning the set 25-22.
“Towards the end of the season, we were playing some of our best volleyball,” senior Vanessa Manzo said. “Carrying that momentum into next season with new talent is definitely something to look forward to.”
The Lady Lions finished the season with a 6-19 overall record and 6-10 in the CCS. Junior hitter Katie Hubbard was named to the All-CCS Second Team, while senior setter Vanessa Manzo was named to the CCS All-Sportsmanship Team.
—Colin Hackshaw
